Neighbourhoods, markets
and food

How to use this guide

This selection is for getting to know San José by walking its neighbourhoods and eating where the city eats. The places fall into three areas. Downtown are the Central Market, Mercado Borbón, two blocks north, and the Municipal Crafts Market, on Avenida 6. To the north, Barrio Amón and Barrio Otoya keep old mansions and much of the Murals and street art route. To the east lie Barrio Escalante and Calle 33, with cafés and restaurants, and San Pedro, UCR campus and Calle de la Amargura, about 3 km from downtown.

The day starts early at the markets: Mercado Borbón first, which focuses on fresh produce, then the Central Market to eat at a soda. On a Saturday, swap that start for the Feria Verde (Aranjuez organic market) or the Plaza Víquez Farmers’ Market. After lunch, head up to Amón and Otoya while the light lasts and follow the murals on foot. At sunset, move on to Escalante and walk Calle 33 from north to south, which sorts out dinner. With a second day, add the Downtown free walking tour, 2.5 to 3.5 hours long, and a daytime visit to the UCR campus.

On a tight budget, nearly everything is free: markets, farmers’ markets, neighbourhoods and murals. You only pay for what you eat, and the walking tour runs on tips. You can drop the Downtown San José food tour, which is booked online and has the Central Market as a regular stop. For the evening, the bars are in La California, Escalante and San Pedro.

Tips

• At the Central Market, carry your bag in front in the narrow aisles, and bear in mind that each soda sets its own hours.
• For the farmers’ markets, bring small cash and reusable bags, and arrive early for fresh produce: the Feria Verde runs on Saturdays from 7:00 to 13:00.
• Go to Mercado Borbón in the morning and do not wander west: the area around the Coca-Cola terminal, a few blocks away, is unsafe by day and by night.
• At night, use an official taxi or a ride app, do not walk between neighbourhoods and carry only what you need. La California carries a risk of theft from foreigners, and on Calle de la Amargura it is best to go in a group.
• If you buy coffee to take home, choose whole roasted beans, not ground; supermarkets and producers are usually cheaper than tourist shops.